IF 394 
.P9 T3 
Copy * 



REPO RT 



F. VOIGT, 



IN CHARGE OF THE 



CAPITOL AND OTHER PUBLIC PROPERTY, 



FOR THE YEAR 1874. 



HOI S'i'ON : 
A . C. ciiAV. STATE PRINTER. 

1 874. 



REPORT 



F. VOIGT, 



IN CHARGE OF THE 

Capitol and other Public Pro 









FOR THE YEAR 1874. 






HOUSTON : 
A . (. . G BAT, STAT E PBINTJ I : 



AsT3 



R E PORT 



IF 1 . -VOIGT, 

In charge of the Capitol and other Public Property. 



Austin, Texas, Nov. 9, 1874. 

T<> His Excellency, Richard Coke, 

Governor of Texas : 

Sir:— In compliance with your instructions, I herewith 
submit a report of the condition of the Capitol and other 
public buildings, together with an estimate of the expense 
necessary for their repair ; also a report of the condition of 
the furniture, the State library, the capitol grounds and 
the State cemetery, with aceompairying suggestions and 
estimates for the improvement of the same. 

In the preparation of this report it was found necessary 
to consult with practical mechanics and architects as to the 
best mode of repairing those buildings, and to ascertain from 
them the approximate amounts required to make the im- 
provements hereinafter suggested. 

By way of introduction, I desire here to state that not- 
withstanding the aggregate amount for the various improve- 
ments recommended may appear somewhat larger than an- 
ticipated, yet when the extent thereof has been fully inves- 
tigated, it is believed that the amount will be found to be 
a profitable investment upon the value of property embraced 
in this limited report. 

With a view of presenting a statement comprehensive in 
detail, as well as to arrive at a satisfactory summary of the 



whole, it is proposed to take up the subject in the following- 
order, to-wit : 

First— The Capitol. 

Second— The General Land Office. 

Third— The Treasurer s and Comptroller' s Office. 

Fourth— The Supreme Court Building. 

Fifth— The Capitol Grounds. 

Sixth— The State Cemetery. 

Seventh — The State Library. 

Eighth— The Capitol Furniture 

Ninth — Agriculture. 

Tenth — General Remarks. 

THE CAPITOL. 

This building is of ample dimensions and of substantial 
material, but destitute of architectural proportions or 
beauty, and needs repairs to a considerable extent to secure 
its preservation, and these repairs should be of an orna- 
mental as well as of a substantial character, which would 
materially change its present squatty and unsightly ap- 
pearance. 

The immediate repairs needed are two coats of oil paint 
outside and inside of the entire building ; the outside to be 
imitation of white marble, and the inside walls throughout 
of plain white color; galleries, window-frames, doors and 
window shutters of plain oak. 

The ceiling in both halls (Senate Chamber and Hall of 
Representatives) to be lined with heavy canvass and painted 
in fresco, according to plan and specification herewith sub- 
mitted, and marked "A." 
The entire work of painting and material, as stated, 

is estimated at $ 5,500 

Plastering and mason work 500 

50 window shutters at $15 each 700 

150 feet galvanized iron cornice at $6 per foot. . . . 900 

12 caps or hoods for front windows at $15 each. . . . 180 

1500 yards ratan matting or carpeting at 90 cts 1,350 

Piping and fixtures for gas lights throughout the 

entire building 3,500 

Repairs of cisterns, including pumps 150 

Furnishing and repairing door locks 50 

Total $13,880 



GENERAL LAX J) OFFICE. 

This building is of stone, and of inviting appearance as 
regards architectural style. 

The interior arrangements seem commodious and ample 
in dimensions, but throughout sadly in need of repairs. 

The outer walls are now plastered or rough-coated with a 
bad description of mortar, separating from the walls, leav- 
ing unsightly blotches, and in many places the walls are 
undergoing a process of decomposition. It is therefore 
recommended that the walls be re-covered with Portland 
cement, colored with some substance to make it resemble 
Connecticut brown or piston stone (winch is several shades 
lighter), the whole to be blocked off to resemble such stone. 
This would effectually protect the walls and greatly beau- 
tify our now dilapidated Land Office. 

The cost of these improvements is estimated at. . . $ 2,Sj00 

The ceiling of the upper story of this building never 

was constructed properly, and the plastering has 

mostly fallen off, and should be re-plastered upon 

proper lathing ; the cost of same will not exceed 300 

Painting of the entire portion of the inside of the 

building, including the furniture 1,000 

Slate roof, to guard against fire •. 2,000 

Two heavy iron doors to the principal entrances of 
the building, and one iron door to the hie room, 

amount 650 

1000 yards ratan matting at 90 cents 900 

Repairs for outhouse, fences, &e 200 

Total $7,550 

TREASURER'S AM) comptroller's office. 

This is a stone building, inconveniently constructed and 

very much in need of repairs, entirely unsafe in its present 
condition, and the lower portion uncomfortable and un- 
healthy. 

The' following improvements and repairs are therefore 
suggested, to wit : 

First The cistern which is built above the ground inside 
the building, should be removed, as it causes dampness 
throughout the entire upper story, and is otherwise a great 
inconvenience. 



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Second— The construction of additional rooms in the 
northwest corner of the building, with steps from the base- 
ment room leading into the Treasurer' s office of the upper 
story. 

Third - Re-plastering wherever needed, inside as well as 
outside. 

Fourth — Repairing and altering of front steps. 

Fifth — Painting the roof. 

Sixth — The putting in of four strong iron doors. 

Seventh — The putting in of iron frames for all the lower 
windows, nineteen (19) in number ; a plan of which is here- 
with submitted, marked "B." 

Eighth — The removal of all the outside wooden steps 
leading into the upper story. 

Ninth — The repair of nearly all the fire-places. 

Tenth — The construction of a new cistern outside of the 
building. 

The cost of these enumerated improvements are estimated 
as follows : 

Four iron doors - $ 700 

Nineteen iron window frames at £25 475 

Plastering and other mason work 500 

Five hundred yards ratan matting at ninety cents, 450 

Painting the roof and other parts of the building. 225 

A new cistern, including covering and pump 350 

New addition to the building 2,20.0 

Total $4,900 

SUPREME COURT BUILDING. 

This is of stone and in good repair. Outside walls 
should be plastered with Portland cement, the 
same as the Land Office, and will cost about . . . £400 00 

A new cistern house and pump 150 00 

Ratan matting 100 00 

Repairing window shutters and painting windows 
and doors of lower story 100 00 

Total $750 00 

It is also recommended that provision be made for 
the building of three wood sheds in the capitol ( 
grounds, one for each of the several buildings, • 
in order that the wood may be locked up ; the 
cost is estimated at one hundred and fifty dol- 
lars each. ' To'tal $4*0 00 



m 

Which expenditure will soon be covered in the saying of 
wood. 

THE CAPITOL GROUNDS. 

These grounds admit of a high degree of improvement. 

The work done thus far has been with a view of laying 
the foundation for an extended plan of future improve- 
ment, of which a sketch is herewith submitted, marked 
"C," and if carried out, as contemplated, will greatly 
beautify these long neglected grounds. 

The doubt heretofore entertained by many, as to* the 
practicability of growing trees and shrubberies in these 
rocky grounds, may readily be abandoned when there is 
abundant evidence of the perfect success of their growth, 
wherever they are properly cared for. 

It is also firmly believed that a large quantity of water 
may be collected in these grounds during the rainy season, 
to supply mairy of the plants during the dry season with 
sufficient moisture to sustain them. 

Owing to the rocky foundation, the improvements to be 
continued necessarily require a great amount of labor, and 
with it heavy expenses, which it is impossible to correctly 
estimate, and the extent and character of the improvements 
must depend upon the means set aside for that purpose. 

It is recommended that the sum of five thousand dollars 
be appropriated for the improvement of the capitol 
grounds. 

STATE CEMETERY. 

These grounds require a new substantial plank inclosure, 
and the setting out of shade trees, estimated cost $600 00 

STATE LIBRARY. 

The Library consists of over six thousand volumes of 
miscellaneous works, a great portion of which are Con- 
gressional and legislative proceedings. 

A catalogue has been prepared by the Librarian in 
charge, and filed in the office of the Secretary of State, to 
which reference is made for particulars. 

It is to be regretted that so many books are missing by 
which some valuable editions have" been rendered incom- 
plete, and in some instances almost valueless. 

The Library, as now composed, can only He l^gardtni ys 
a n\it']eu^up<[>U.^vhibh t<s build hereafter. ' 



[Sj 

The collection ol a State Library, worth}' of its name 
and object, is deserving the most fostering care, in fact, 
too much, importance cannot be attached to the value of a 
collection of works of reference both ancient and modern, 
together with such literary selections as will serve to ren- 
der the State Library a reflex of the intelligence of the 
citizens of the State. 

Special attention is directed to the condition of about 
one hundred and twenty volumes of journals of the Eng- 
lish parliament for the sixteenth and seventeenth century, 
the binding of which has been destroyed, and a new and 
substantial cheap covering is recommended, in order that 
these interesting documents may be preserved. 

Estimated cost at $3 each ." $360 00 

Freight, express charges and postage on books. . . 300 00 
Shelving and stationery 75 00 

Total $73o 00 

It is also suggested that the Librarian be authorized to 
correspond with the librarians of other States and publish- 
ing institutions, witli a view of collecting such books as he 
may be able to procure by way of exchange or donations. 

CAPITOL FURKTTURE. 

An inventory of the furniture will be found on file in the 
office of the Secretary of State, most of it needs renewing. 

There is on hand a large lot of old spring-bottomed 
chairs ; these are comparatively worthless and should be 
disposed of, and be replaced by new ones. 
It is suggested that there be appropriated for this 

purpose $200 00 

For cleaning and polishing desks, etc oO 00 

Drapery for Senate chamber, and Hall of Repre- 
sentatives 500 00 

Total £750 00 

AGRIOULTXTRE. 

As yet no provision is made for the collection of statis- 
tical records of the agricultural resources of our State, the 
importance of which, it is believed, will be appreciated by 
emy one regardless of hi£ filing or ein^fofvni^nt/ A 



I 9 | 

monthly review from the several counties throughout the 
State in relation to the agricultural enterprises and pros- 
pects would seem of vast interest and importance. 

It is respectfully suggested that the State Librarian be 
authorized to obtain, by circular or otherwise, such infor- 
mation through county officials' and other reliable channels, 
as may relate to the condition of crops ; the number of 
acres in cultivation ; the kind of products grown, etc., a 
summary to be published by him monthly in such news- 
papers, as will be willing to aid in disseminating such gen- 
eral useful information. A small appropriation for prin- 
ting circulars, and for postage, say one hundred dollars 
($100), is all that will be required to carry into effect this 
measure. 

Recapitulation of the estimated amounts to be provided, 
as recommended in the foregoing statements : 

For the capitol building $12,880 00 

For the land office 7,500 50 

For the treasurers and comptroller's office 4,900 oo 

For the Supreme Court building 750 00 

For the wood shed 450 oo 

For the capitol ground 5,000 oo 

For I he State cemetery 600 oo 

For the State library." 735 oo 

For the furniture and drapery 750 OO 

For agricultural statistics 100 00 

Total $83.(565 50 

GENERAL REMARKS. 

It is desired to call special attention to the leading fea- 
ture of this report, namely : the condition of the public 
buildings of our State, all of which (the Supreme Court 
building excepted) are greatly in need of repairs. They 
are totally insecure, and in some instances unfit for the 
purposes for which they are now being used. A fourth- 
class burglar can enter any of the public offices and ab- 
stract therefrom valuable records, without the least trouble. 

The importance of the subject demands speedy attention. 

The value of the State property embraced within this re- 
port is estimated at not less then a half million ($500,000) 
dollars ; thirty-four thousand ($34,000) dollars, recom- 
mended in this report for the improvement of the same, is 
2 



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equal to six and four-fifths per cent, on the capital invest- 
ed. This would certainly seem a reasonable expenditure 
compared with its magnitude and importune'. The capi- 
tol is sufficiently capacious and durable to last for many 
years to come, should timely repairs be added, which 
pecuniarily will save the State perhaps a million or more 
dollars in the near future, and a policy of economy would 
dictate a liberal provision of thorough repairs in every in- 
stance. It might be greatly improved, both in beanty and 
strength, by replacing the present Unsightly covering with 
a mansard roof covered with slate, which improvement 
would furnish additional conveniences, render the building 
in a manner fire proof, and greatly improve its appearance. 
The cost of this improvement will not exceed ten thousand 
($10,000) dollars. 

The Treasurer's and Comptroller's office and Supreme 
Court buildings are covered with tin, and therefore ren- 
dered secure as against tire, but should be painted in order 
to increase their durability. 

For tlie better protection of the capitol grounds and its 
buildings, it is important that the person in charge should 
reside within its enclosures. 

It is therefore recommended that a small dwelling for 
this purpose be erected, at a cost not exceeding five hun- 
dred ($500) dollars, or that permission be granted the cus- 
todian to build at his own expense, granting him the lib- 
erty of removing the same at the expiration of his term of 
office. The object of this provision is obvious, and will be 
found of great importance. 

It is with pleasure and pride to allude to the interest 
which seems directed to the Lone Star State in every por- 
tion of the habitable globe. Visitors from at home and 
abroad are daily wending their way to the Hill City, the 
capita] of the great State of Texas, the prospective home 
of thousands of industrious and patriotic people, with an- 
ticipations of finding a capital worthy of its history and 
name. 

Would it not be well at this late date to make an earnest 
effort to place the public buildings and grounds in such a 
condition as at least, to meet tin 1 standard of similar im- 
provements elsewhere' I 

The private citizen takes pride in the appearance and 
comforts of his home. Will not the same spirit prompt a 
liberal policy towards the improvement of the State prop- 
erty i 



i 11 1 

Whoeyer feels an interest in the glories andprospei 

of Texas must feel a pride in its public institution- i 
! heir improvements. 

In connection with the improvement of the State prop- 
erty, I hope to be pardoned for the suggestion thai all 
tracts be let to the lowest bidder, according to plans and 
specifications to be furnished by the proper officer d 
charge; that in every instance preference be given to 
citizens of the State, either for furnishing the material or 
for doing the work. 

I believe it to be sound policy to encourage home inti 
(ry, and would rather pay a premium to the mechanics 
laborers at home, than to pay tribute to those who have 
sympathy in common with us. 

Texas may become independent of the outer world if si 
will foster industrial pursuits, and award labor a proper 
standard in the scale 01 her onward prosperity. 

In conclusion, I invite your Excellency's favorable con- 
sideration to these several improvements herewith 
gested, as also to the fact that no appropriation was ma 
by the Legislature at its last session for the salary of 
person now in charge of the public property, and wo 
also suggest that said salary is inadequate to the responsi- 
bilities and labor required of him. 

The officer in charge of the public property, whoever 
may be, in the faithful discharge of his duties, should be 
at his post at all hours of the day, and even at night mug t 
be vigilant and mindful of his trust. 
I have the honor to be, 

Very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

F. VOIGT, 

In charge of the Capitol and other Public Propi ■ 



Austin, Texas, Nov. 12, 1874. 

Tne above and foregoing report is, so far as relates to 
public buildings and public grounds, togetherwith the sug 
gestions therein contained, approved by the Board 
Public Buildings and Public Grounds. 

A. W. DeBerey, 
Secretary of State and Chairman of the Bot 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



014 647 564 4 < 



